THE TEAM
THE STUDENT
Kristina Steinmetz, MSc – Kristina is a graduate from the international Biodiversity and Conservation MSc programme. She is currently working on this research project where she is coordinating and carrying out all fieldwork and laboratory work, and will be analyzing all data. She has presented under this project at various conferences and will continue to disseminate her research.
Dr Luca Mirimin – Luca is an assistant lecturer at GMIT with extensive expertise in the application of genetic techniques to the management and conservation of aquatic species including marine mammals. During this project, he will provide guidance with laboratory procedures and hold workshops on the use of genetic software.
THE GENETICIST
THE ECOLOGIST
Dr Sinéad Murphy – Sinéad is also an assistant lecturer at GMIT. She has become an expert in ecological methods for marine mammal research and her work included investigating the impact of threats such as pollution and by-catch on marine mammals. She will provide guidance for fieldwork and ecological questions. Her ongoing advisory roles will ensure that results from this project are integrated in a timely fashion within MSFD assessments.
The Science & Biodiversity and Regional Operations sections of the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) also play an important role in guiding and supporting this study while Dr Oliver Ó Cadhla, who works as marine mammal ecologist for NPWS, is an external scientist and supervisor on the project.
EXTERNAL PARTNER
THE UNDERGRAD
Proinsias Hernon – Proinsias is currently finishing his Bachelor degree in Applied Freshwater and Marine Biology at GMIT. He is doing his 4rth year project as part of this research where he is investigating the effectiveness of the ExtractCompare software for photo-identification of harbour seals in Ireland. He is joining Kristina on fieldwork and collects photo-identification data.